Former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran has issued a stark warning about the state of press freedom in the United States under the current administration. In a recent interview, Moran compared President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and actions toward the media to the tactics of authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban in Hungary. He emphasized that Trump’s public criticism of the press and his alleged attempts to control narratives could set a dangerous precedent for democratic governance.
Moran, who previously served as a senior correspondent for ABC News, argued that the president’s approach risks eroding the independent watchdog role of the media. He pointed to instances where Trump has labeled journalists as ‘enemies of the state’ and called for investigations into media outlets, such as the New York Times, which he accused of bias. Moran warned that such behavior could lead to a chilling effect on free speech and journalistic integrity.
The former correspondent urged media organizations and civil society to remain vigilant in defending press freedom. He reiterated that a free press is essential in democratic societies to ensure transparency and accountability. Moran’s comments come amid growing concerns about the relationship between the executive branch and the media, with some observers warning that the current administration’s actions could represent a significant shift in the balance of power within the U.S. government.